Creamy Lemon Bars

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Introduction

Creamy Lemon Bars are a delightful dessert that combines a buttery shortbread crust with a tangy, smooth lemon filling. Perfect for spring or summer gatherings, these bars are refreshingly sweet with a creamy texture that melts in your mouth. They are easy to make, visually appealing, and loved by all ages.

Ingredients

For the crust:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the creamy lemon filling:

  • 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) sweetened condensed milk
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For garnish (optional):

  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instruction

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Crust

In a medium bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add flour and salt, mixing until combined. Press dough evenly into prepared pan. Bake 15-18 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven.

Step 3: Prepare Lemon Filling

In a bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 4: Bake Lemon Bars

Pour filling over warm crust. Bake 20-25 minutes until filling is set. Cool at room temperature for 1 hour.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate at least 2 hours. Dust with powdered sugar and cut into squares or rectangles.

Method

  1. Preheat oven and prepare pan.
  2. Cream butter and sugar; add dry ingredients for crust.
  3. Bake crust, then whisk together lemon filling ingredients.
  4. Pour filling over crust and bake.
  5. Cool, chill, dust with sugar, and cut into bars.

Nutrition (per serving, 12 servings)

  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g

Benefits

  • Provides a good source of vitamin C from lemon juice.
  • The eggs add protein to the dessert.
  • Sweetened condensed milk offers calcium and some essential nutrients.

History

Lemon bars are believed to have originated in the United States in the mid-20th century. Their combination of tart citrus and sweet filling made them popular in home baking, especially during the summer when lemons were abundant. The creamy version, using sweetened condensed milk, became a favorite variation for its rich, custard-like texture.

Conclusion

Creamy Lemon Bars are a simple yet elegant dessert that balances sweet and tangy flavors perfectly. They are ideal for parties, picnics, or as a homemade treat to enjoy any time. With a buttery crust and luscious lemon filling, they are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

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